The political situation in Benin has escalated sharply. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
The country's military announced via state television that President Patrice Talon has been removed from power. According to the military, the Constitution has been suspended, and the land borders and airspace have been closed.
Control has temporarily passed to a military council led by Lieutenant Colonel Tigri Pascal. The French embassy in Benin issued an emergency statement regarding the situation.
It has been reported that gunfire was heard near the president's headquarters in the city of Cotonou. For this reason, French citizens have been advised not to leave their homes for safety purposes.
A group calling itself the "Military Committee for Rebuilding" appeared on television, announcing the decision to remove President Talon from office. At the same time, sources close to Talon emphasize that the president has been moved to a secure location.
According to information provided by the president's office to AFP agency, a small group is leading the situation, and the main forces are working to restore control. It is also stated that the security of the city and the country is still being ensured.
President Patrice Talon came to power in 2016 and is known as a major businessman referred to as the "cotton king" in the country. He is 67 years old, and his second presidential term was supposed to last until the spring of 2026.
Talon had previously announced his intention to leave office next year. This coup occurred against the backdrop of political instability in West Africa.
Previously, in neighboring Guinea-Bissau, President Umaro Sissoco Embalo was overthrown. In recent years, military coups have also taken place in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
This has intensified serious security concerns in the region. Now Benin has also become part of this chain of instability.
The future development of the situation remains unknown.
